Trinidad: The former rebels surrendered due to the continuous offensive military operations in Surigao del Sur. PHOTO 36IB

At least four alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have
surrendered to government forces, said Lt. Col. Xerxes
Trinidad, commander of the 36th Infantry
Battalion.

He said three of those who surrendered were fighters from
Communist Party of the Philippines-Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party
Committee (NEMRC) operating in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur provinces while
the other one belonged to the NPA’s militia unit.

The four gave themselves up
separately to the 36th IB Advance Command Post
based in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel town last Wednesday, Jan. 9 and to the 36 Battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayo-an,
Tago town on Jan. 1.

The returnees turned over two—two homemade shot guns.

The
military did not disclose the identities of the returnees for security reasons,
adding that one of the returnees held a high position in the NPA.

Trinidad, quoting one of
the surrenderers, said the former rebels surrendered due to the continuous
offensive military operations in Surigao del Sur.

The rebels also could no longer stomach the extortion
activities that they were forced to do against their fellow impoverished
countrymen and the promises that were never fulfilled by the organization, Trinidad said.

“We call on
to the remaining CPP-NPA terrorist leaders to surrender and return to the folds
of the law. Lay down your arms and surrender, not just for your own sake, but
rather, for your own family and loved ones. Abandon your maligned armed
struggle and help the government bring development and long and lasting peace
in our community,” he said.

As surrenderees, the four would be
enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive
Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national government. Under the E-Clip, an NPA surrenderee can
immediately receive P15,000 cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance.

They can also avail of firearms remuneration and housing, livelihood, and legal assistance among other forms of help from the government. By CLC

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